Nototodarus sloanii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nototodarus sloanii |
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| Dorsal and ventral view of Nototodarus sloanii | |
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The Nototodarus sloanii is a type of squid often called the New Zealand arrow squid. People also know it as the Wellington flying squid. Its Māori name is Wheketere.
This squid is a very important food source for many sea animals and birds. For example, New Zealand fur seals love to eat it. It's also vital for endangered animals like the New Zealand sea lion and the yellow-eyed penguin. Fishermen also catch N. sloanii for people to eat. Sometimes, Australian sea lions, which also hunt these squids, can accidentally get caught in fishing nets.
Where Do Arrow Squids Live?
The New Zealand arrow squid lives near the coasts of New Zealand. You can find them on the continental shelf, which is the underwater land extending from a continent. They live at depths of up to 500 meters (about 1,640 feet). These squids prefer colder waters, but they can survive in many different temperatures. They are most common south of New Zealand's South Island.
What Does the Arrow Squid Look Like?
When fully grown, the New Zealand arrow squid can be 32 to 42 centimeters (about 12 to 16 inches) long. They can weigh between 0.6 to 1.8 kilograms (about 1.3 to 4 pounds). These squids have a strong, muscular body called a mantle. It is orange and pink and tapers to a pointed tail. A darker maroon stripe runs down the middle of their back.
Their fins are shaped like an arrowhead and are about half the length of their body. They also have eight arms. These arms have suckers with small, pointed teeth. Squids use their arms to catch food. They also have two fins on their head. These fins help them move by sucking water in and pushing it out. Their mouth is located right in the middle of their arms.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
New Zealand arrow squids reproduce throughout the year. However, their busiest time for laying eggs is from September to March. When they mate, the male squid holds the female. He then places a special arm called a hectocotylus into the female's body. This is where the eggs are fertilized.
After mating, both the male and female squids usually die. The baby squids hatch as tiny plankton, floating in the water. As they grow, they become adults that live on the ocean floor. They grow very quickly and reach adulthood in about 200 days. Arrow squids have a short life, usually just over a year. Because they grow so fast and can change their appearance, they adapt well to changes in their environment. Each year, new squids make up the population.
These squids are amazing at growing! Their bodies create many new cells throughout their lives. They are very efficient at turning food energy into growth. This means they don't store much extra food energy. Squids have very high metabolism and growth rates, similar to some mammals.
Arrow squids can also vary a lot within their own species. For example, their egg size, how fast embryos develop, and how big they are when they hatch can all differ. Their growth rate, age, and size when they become adults also vary. This ability to change and adapt, along with their short life and fast growth, helps them respond to changing ocean conditions. They can also travel long distances, which makes their movements hard to predict.
